Review: Aarik and the Kingdom in Ruins

Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom, crafted by indie studio Shatterproof Games, is an intriguing puzzle game that plays with perspective. The story follows Aarik, a young prince burdened with a father who is bedridden and a mother who’s nowhere to be found, all while trying to restore his devastated kingdom. Armed with his father’s crown, Aarik embarks on a journey through cleverly designed isometric levels that shift and change to unveil the way ahead.

As you progress through the narrative, Aarik gets his hands on special crystals, each boasting unique abilities that are crucial for overcoming obstacles. These colorful gems enable him to rewind time, reposition structures, and utilize robotic allies to crack complex puzzles. Not only do the abilities add variety to the game, but they also introduce new layers and keep the experience fresh.

What truly sets Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom apart is its cozy, laid-back atmosphere. The game is intentionally designed to be relaxing, with calming music enhancing the mellow tone of its challenges. The puzzles seem crafted to gently test your wits without leaving you scratching your head for too long. Over the approximately two-hour journey, I never found myself stuck, which aligns with the developer’s aim of creating a leisurely experience.

However, not everything is entirely smooth sailing. The controls occasionally present minor frustrations, especially with certain powers. For instance, the robot-controlling ability sometimes disengages unexpectedly; telekinesis can be tricky when aligning objects precisely; and the time rewind feature can be a bit tricky when it comes to restoring paths. While these issues aren’t deal-breakers, they can disrupt the otherwise seamless flow.

Visually and sonically, the game is a treat, perfectly complementing its short but sweet adventure, which you can comfortably complete in a single sitting. Although the innovative crystal powers enliven the gameplay, their somewhat unstable integration could cause occasional irritation.

In the end, Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom is a charming, chill escape into a world where perspective is key, albeit with a few quirks. For a quick and relaxing gaming experience that doesn’t demand a huge time investment, this title stands out. This review reflects my experience with a retail copy of the game provided by the publisher.

Summary: Aarik and the Ruined Kingdom offers a relaxing puzzling escapade, though some finicky gameplay elements slightly detract from the short experience.

Rating: 6/10.